Overview

Mastocytic enterocolitis is a term describing the condition of chronic, intractable diarrhea in people with normal colon or duodenum biopsy results, but with an increased number of mast cells in the colonic mucosa (the innermost layer of the colon).[1] The increase in mast cells is not associated with systemic or cutaneous mastocytosis.[2] It is unclear whether the accumulation of mast cells is a response to, or cause of, the mucosal inflammation that causes the symptoms of the condition.[1] Most individuals with this condition respond well to drugs affecting mast cell function.[2]

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Basic Information

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information on chronic diarrhea. The CDC is recognized as the lead federal agency for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities designed to improve the health of the people of the United States.

In Depth Information

PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Mastocytic enterocolitis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.